The Ultimate Guide to Witchcraft

March 27, 2020

Setting aside the hyperbole of the title, Kiernan (The Book of Altars and Sacred Spaces) has created a beautifully packaged and thorough overview of current thinking and the practice of witchcraft. Filled with gorgeous, witchy photographs and illustrations, each chapter hits the highlights of magickal practices, relaying their fundamental purpose and relationship to the basic philosophies and practices of modern witchcraft. Topics discussed include the elementals; basic astrology; the purpose, use and care of crystals; plants and herbology; seasonal and lunar magick; divination; and charms and enchantments. While each of these subjects already have multiple titles dedicated solely to them, Kiernan does more than a serviceable job providing the key components of the magickal essence of each. The tone is friendly yet authoritative but never dives too deep on any given topic. Additional resources and a useful index included. VERDICT Media rich and accessible, this Instagram-slick title will appeal to readers attracted to the aesthetic of witchcraft and perhaps find inspiration to look a bit deeper.--Janet Tapper, formerly with Univ. of Western States Lib., Portland, OR

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